Unlike its broadcast peers, CBS has a slew of scripted programming airing in the 2024-25 television season.
ABC and FOX are focusing more on cheaper ads as the TV ad market continues to shrink, but CBS is continuing to roll out its proven hits this season.
After the network’s shocking cancellations of “Blue Bloods” and “NCIS: Hawaii,” it’s hard not to worry about some of its shows as spring approaches.
There are some big surprises on the horizon, and we have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Let’s take a deep dive into what’s next for our favorite CBS series.
Elsbeth – some updates
Elsbeth had a mediocre performance in the Live + Same Day ratings, attracting 4.4 million viewers and a 0.25 rating.
However, the show’s viewership and ratings soared to 7.7 million viewers and a 0.45 rating, proving that many people were smitten with Carrie Preston’s character as The Good Wife.
Add to that the critical acclaim it received, and we have another reason to keep it around for years to come.
The Equalizer – Possible Renewal
The Queen Latifah-led action drama had a slow season, falling to 4.9 million viewers and a 0.31 rating.
However, if post-broadcast ratings are taken into account, “The Equalizer” still dominates, with 6.5 million viewers.
Given the show’s age, we’d probably put it on the bubble, but CBS’s exploration of spinoff opportunities confirms it’s happy with the show, so we’ll keep it under wraps for now.
FBI – Update
The Dick Wolf TV series averaged 6.3 million viewers and a 0.40 rating in the demo, but the show’s demo ratings didn’t improve significantly after airing.
To date, “FBI” has reached 8 million viewers and a 0.51 rating. The numbers aren’t bad, but there may be some restructuring to make the show make financial sense.
Broadcast television shows are rapidly changing content to stay on the air.
FBI: International – Possible Renewal
The latest entry in the FBI universe still drew a respectable audience, with 5 million viewers and a 0.32 rating in the demo.
FBI: The International does get a bigger shake given the week’s DVR than some of its CBS peers, so there’s no reason to worry.
Still, CBS expects a boost from former Chicago P.D. star Jesse Lee Sofer as the Flyers’ new leader.
FBI: Most Wanted – Either way
Of all the FBI shows, “FBI: Most Wanted” has had the most inconsistent ratings and quality.
There were so many cast members leaving the show that it was hard for us to invest in anyone. So far, the season has attracted 4.4 million viewers and a 0.30 rating.
It had a modest increase in viewers, to over 6 million, and a 0.42 rating when factoring in DVRs for the week.
However, it’s getting older, and as the numbers drop, CBS may drop it and try a new series on Tuesdays.
Fire Nation – Certain Updates
“Fire Nation” has seen a sharp decline in ratings this season, averaging 4.5 million viewers and a 0.33 Friday rating.
However, within a week, the number of viewers of the show rose to 6.4 million, and the ratings reached 0.55, so there is still interest in the show, but many viewers do not watch the live broadcast.
At these levels, at least, the next few years are safe.
Georgie and Mandy’s first marriage – a definite update
Spinoffs don’t have the best of spinoffs, but Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage was a huge success for CBS.
The latest entry in the “Big Bang Theory” universe averaged 6.3 million viewers and a 0.45 rating in the demo.
Within a week, the comedy’s viewership surged to 8 million viewers and a 0.60 rating. That number is just behind former Young Shelton’s average in his final season, which is a huge win.
Ghost – some updates
The Ghosts have taken a hit this season but are still competitive. It is currently averaging 5.4 million viewers and a 0.44 rating in the demo.
Including the ratings for the week following the broadcast, the number of viewers jumped to 7.5 million, with a rating of 0.66.
Thursday comedies aren’t going anywhere because they’re too strong.
Matlock – Update
Kathy Bates’ crime drama is one of the biggest success stories of the season. “Matlock” currently attracts about 6.5 million viewers, with a demo rating of 0.37.
The show’s ratings soared after it aired, swelling to 10 million viewers and a 0.59 rating, so it’s no surprise that the ratings went up for the next season.
Hopefully it continues to perform well as it’s a fun new spin on a tried and tested format.
Neighborhood – may be updated
The Monday comedy averaged 4.1 million viewers and a 0.38 rating and is expected to increase to 4.7 million viewers and a 0.46 rating.
The series is still a strong contender, but it has aged well and we saw what happened to Bob Hearts Abishola.
Most of the cast was demoted before cancellation, so it’s hard to believe CBS will continue the show.
Then again, it did have decent numbers, so it all depends on whether the network wants to cancel its Monday comedy block.
NCIS – Possible Renewal
Although ratings are declining year by year, “NCIS” ratings continue to be updated.
The most recent season averaged 5.2 million viewers and a 0.35 rating. However, ratings still improved in the crucial first week, with viewers rising to 7.6 million and a 0.52 rating.
However, the continued decline in ratings as budgets swell is concerning, and we’ve seen how the network treated NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaii , so without some major changes, We don’t think this will last long.
NCIS: Origins—Either way can go
The failure of “NCIS: Origins” was one of the biggest surprises of the season. The prequel was solid in terms of storytelling, but many viewers rejected it.
Is this how CBS treats “NCIS: Hawaii”? It’s possible, but a show about a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs should be compelling, whereas NCIS: Origins is not.
The show is currently averaging 3.9 million viewers and a demo rating of 0.28.
Factoring in a week’s worth of DVRs, that number rose to around 6 million and a 0.4 rating, but that must have been shocking for CBS. The series is simply not a lock for renewal.
Poppa’s House – possible cancellation
Creatively speaking, “Poppa’s House” was a decent comedy, but it didn’t get much traction in the ratings.
So far, the show has attracted 3.4 million viewers and a 0.34 rating in the demo.
Unfortunately, it only climbed to 4 million viewers and a 0.41 rating in one week, which doesn’t make for a great renewal case.
It all depends on whether CBS wants to keep its Monday comedy slate intact or if it thinks Poppa House can be replaced with something else.
SWAT—may be updated
Last year, SWAT fans pushed hard to save the show from cancellation, and it paid off.
The Friday drama continued to perform well on Friday night, averaging 5.6 million viewers and a 0.47 rating in the Live+7 metric.
Given the same demo numbers as last season, there’s no reason to believe the Shemar Moore-led series won’t be renewed again.
Tracker – some updates
The crime drama, starring Justin Hartley, remains popular in its second season with 8.2 million viewers and a 0.53 rating among adults 18-49.
If you factor in a week’s worth of DVR views, those numbers rise significantly, to 11.4 million viewers and a 0.82 rating.
The success of “Stalker” proved that Justin had huge appeal.
What are your thoughts, TV Fanatics? Which of the above dramas would you like to renew?
Please vote in the poll below and have your say in the comments.
